Clutter or Keeper?

Clutter can really kill someone's social life and sense of serenity if it starts to get out of hand. And of course, as the saying goes, "One man's trash…" So test your knowledge on which of the possessions shoved under your bed or languishing in your basement could be appealing to another person. (Maybe appealing enough to pay for!)

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Question 1 of 20

An old lunchbox?

clutter

keeper

potential cash

Vintage lunchboxes are pretty popular items among collectors, so if you have one in good condition, it's a good idea to list it online.

Question 2 of 20

An old wardrobe item?

clutter

keeper

potential cash

What's old and unloved by you could be appreciated by someone with other tastes. You can get good money for high-quality designer or brand-name used clothing at consignment stores.

Question 3 of 20

An old collection of bills?

clutter

After a certain period of time, you don't need to hang onto old bills. You should, however, be sure to shred them (and any other outdated files listing your personal information) before you discard them.

keeper

potential cash

Question 4 of 20

A completed video game?

clutter

keeper

potential cash

Just because you beat the boss doesn't mean another gamer has. Resell used video games and get money you can put toward new ones.

Question 5 of 20

An old stuffed animal?

clutter

If your children have outgrown their toys, consider most soft items clutter that should be donated.

keeper

potential cash

Question 6 of 20

An unread book?

clutter

keeper

potential cash

Books probably won't bring in all that much money, but you can usually get some. And just because a book bored you, doesn't mean someone out there isn't dying to read it.

Question 7 of 20

An unused kitchen appliance?

clutter

keeper

potential cash

Whether it's a bread maker, a rice cooker, a vegetable steamer or a waffle machine, chances are good you've got at least a few appliances you almost never use. Give someone else the opportunity to broaden their culinary horizons and sell your small kitchen appliances.

Question 8 of 20

An old pair of eyeglasses?

clutter

You probably want to save your most recent set in the event your current pair breaks, but beyond that, what's the point? Plus, there are charities that can get your glasses to someone who can still benefit from your out-of-date prescription.

keeper

potential cash

Question 9 of 20

A piece of jewelry?

clutter

keeper

Even if a piece of jewelry isn't to your taste, that doesn't mean you won't want to bequeath it down the line. If you hang onto it, it could make a meaningful heirloom one day. Precious metals and gemstones can also be reworked in new styles and settings.

potential cash

Question 10 of 20

An old turntable?

clutter

keeper

potential cash

Music buffs are often traditionalists when it comes to their sound systems, and you can use this to your wallet's advantage if you have items like turntables or cassette decks lying around collecting dust.

Question 11 of 20

An old set of magazines?

clutter

Unless you're moving soon (in which case they can serve as packing material) old magazines and newspapers are just clutter. You think you'll read them someday, but in all likelihood, you won't.

keeper

potential cash

Question 12 of 20

An expired prescription?

clutter

Expired prescriptions have usually lost a great deal of their potency and can even be dangerous if ingested. If something has the potential to kill you, it's definitely clutter you don't want around. Be sure to follow the instructions for disposing of it correctly.

keeper

potential cash

Question 13 of 20

An old bath towel?

clutter

Life is messy, and you never know when you'll encounter a mess you don't want to use a good towel on, so saving old ones in a rag bag is a smart idea. Once they tackle a particularly nasty spill, however, feel free to chuck them.

keeper

potential cash

Question 14 of 20

A broken tool?

clutter

A broken tool isn't terribly useful, and depending on what it is, might even be dangerous to keep around. Unless it's an easy fix like swapping out a handle or sharpening an old blade, toss it.

keeper

potential cash

Question 15 of 20

An empty box?

clutter

Again, unless you are planning an imminent move, an empty box is simply clutter. At the very least, break it down and store it in that condition, rather than fully assembled.

keeper

potential cash

Question 16 of 20

Old family photos?

clutter

keeper

Family photos are nice keepsakes to share with future generations. Just make sure yours are properly preserved and won't degrade with time.

potential cash

Question 17 of 20

An aged pair of sneaks?

clutter

Old shoes can be donated, but if yours are in particularly nasty condition, just shoot them into the trash or drop them off at a store that recycles old sneakers. Your feet will thank you for letting them go.

keeper

potential cash

Question 18 of 20

An old piece of furniture?

clutter

keeper

potential cash

Lots of old furniture will be prized by others even if you're over it. Consider selling it so someone else can appreciate it in his or her home.

Question 19 of 20

A collection of old pet toys?

clutter

keeper

As long as you plan on getting a new pet -- which most people generally do -- then hang on to those old pet toys. Animals generally aren't overly concerned with the condition of their personal effects.

potential cash

Question 20 of 20

Used computer equipment?

clutter

Most electronics are destined for the big digital graveyard in the sky if you've gotten full use out of them. Just be sure to dispose of any computers or other electronic devices in a safe fashion if you can't repurpose or donate them. E-recycling events can often be found at schools or stores.